Unfunded List Open Door Philanthropy

Unfunded List’s Open Door Philanthropy Podcast gathers philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers of all stripes. Hosted by Dave Moss, who founded Unfunded List in 2015 to help make sure that the next generation of changemakers get the feedback and recognition they need to be successful. Our mission is to demystify and open the door to private philanthropy for the general public while providing a platform for our guests to discuss their life's work. Unfunded List reviews funding proposals twice annually from small and mid-size nonprofits and social impact startups. The 200+ philanthropy experts on our evaluation committee give helpful and candid feedback about each grant proposal’s weaknesses & strengths. Then we publish the best proposals to our list that we circulate to a rolodex of foundations and philanthropists in the hopes that we can find some funding and partnerships for these amazing unfunded proposals. Unfunded List is currently accepting proposals for our Spring 2019 e

Unfunded List Open Door Philanthropy is a government podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 58 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Unfunded List Open Door Philanthropy, a government show with 58 episodes published.

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  Episode #2

  Social Impact Investing with Dr. Kim Tan

  Aug 19, 20261h 17mS8

  Dr. Kim Tan is Chairman of SpringHill Management, a private fund management company specializing in biotech and social venture capital investments. He has been a pioneer of social impact investing for over 20 years and is a partner of several social impact funds including Inqo Investments (South Africa), Novastar Ventures (Kenya) and Garden Impact Investment (Singapore). He is an advisor to Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures. He is the co-founder of the Transformational Business Network and a trustee of the John Templeton Foundation and the Templeton Religion Trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #1

  Spring Debrief 2026

  Aug 13, 202646 minS8

  The 22nd round of proposal review at Unfunded List is complete! In this session, we share our Spring 2026 Insights Report including insights derived from analysis of the 851 reviews we completed on 96 proposals from around the world. We go over common areas of focus for the feedback, strengths of the proposals, and the biggest areas for improvement. We also look over some of the suggestions our evaluators have for funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #6

  Dimple Abichandani - Author of "A New Era of Philanthropy"

  Jul 22, 20261h 10mS5

  What can two of the architects of modern philanthropy teach us about its future? In this episode of Open Door Philanthropy, I sit down with Dimple Abichandani, author of A New Era of Philanthropy, to explore the lives and legacy of Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage and Andrew Carnegie - two giants in the Gilded Age.  Together, we examine questions that are just as relevant today as they were more than a century ago: Who gets to decide? How should philanthropy balance expertise with community voice? What responsibilities come with wealth? And what might the next era of philanthropy look like? Whether you're a nonprofit leader, funder, researcher, or simply curious about how philanthropy continues to evolve, I hope this conversation offers both historical perspective and inspiration for what comes next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #5

  Susan Davis - Author, Bulls**t Without Borders

  Jun 12, 20261h 27mS7

  What if our best intentions aren't enough? In this episode of Open Door Philanthropy, Margaret Chapman sits down with Susan Davis, author of Bullshit Without Borders: Let's Change the Way We Change the World, to explore the uncomfortable truths about international development and philanthropy. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across nonprofits, foundations, USAID-funded programs, and the global water sector, Susan challenges us to rethink what it means to help. Together, they discuss power, accountability, locally led solutions, and how donors and practitioners can move beyond charity as usual toward more effective and equitable approaches to social change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #2

  Bill Villafranco - Open Door Philanthropy with Dave Moss

  Apr 23, 20261h 33mS7

  Willam Villafranco's Personal Background and Path to Wall Street Bill discussed his childhood, sports, and an early memory of generosity. A college entrepreneurial venture solidified his interest in business and Wall Street. He described Wall Street as a place to help people attain goals. Place-Based Philanthropy and the Colby College Model The conversation pivoted to philanthropy's role in revitalizing local communities. Colby College was highlighted as a model for place-based institutional investment. Private philanthropy can lead the charge in regentrification of an area. The Origin Story of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Bill detailed his relationship with client and mentor, Virginia Toulmin. Her estate plan created a $140 million foundation with no direction. She entrusted three trustees to manage the foundation with flexibility and her values. Foundation Operations and Invitation-Only Grantmaking The foundation operates with three trustees and no additional staff members. It follows a strict by-invitation-only policy to manage grant requests effectively. Grant seekers must find a common person to facilitate an introduction. Practicing Trust-Based Philanthropy Virginia's philosophy was 'show me how much I should trust you.' The foundation encourages open dialogue about both successes and struggles. Being a partner means stepping up to help during difficult periods. Navigating Dual Roles and Conflicts of Interest Bill discussed being both a grantmaker and a nonprofit executive director. He detailed the process for managing the conflict of interest transparently. Being on both sides provides a valuable perspective on the funding process. Challenges Facing the Nonprofit Sector Bill identified board composition and engagement as a major challenge for nonprofits. Low pay for nonprofit staff is a huge problem within the sector. Cuts in federal funding have increased the demand on private philanthropy. The Role of AI and the Importance of Funder Communication AI is a useful tool but doesn't replace the relationship aspect of philanthropy. Bill urged funders to communicate rejections clearly and respectfully to grant seekers. Clear communication allows nonprofits to be more productive with their time. Building a Legacy and Final Reflections - 12% Bill shared a story about a nursing school in Thailand as an example. The foundation is building Virginia's legacy through scholarships, a documentary, and books. The interview concluded on the importance of understanding philanthropy's history and impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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